After receiving overwhelming support in the advisory votes of youth (66%), theological students (75%), mission co-workers (57%) and ecumenical delegates (50%), he earned 57% of the actual commissioners’ votes. His 405 votes compared to 176 for Winfield “Casey” Jones of Pearland, Tex., 110 for Edward Koster of Detroit, and 21 for William Tarbell of Saluda, S.C. All four candidates are ministers of Word and Sacrament.
Parsons has been serving as Associate Stated Clerk and Director of Operations for the Office of the General Assembly, and senior associate staff person working alongside the outgoing Stated Clerk, Clifton Kirkpatrick.
Parsons was installed into office immediately following the election.
Immediately after the election, the assembly installed Parsons as stated clerk – as he was joined on the platform by his wife, Kathy, an elementary-school teacher; son, Josh, a lawyer; and daughter Rachel, a graduate of Columbia Theological Seminary, and by other family and friends.
His first word after the installation: “Hi, Mom!” a shout-out to his mother in Tennessee, who was watching the live-streaming of the proceedings.
Parsons told the assembly that “I’m deeply honored beyond words to be your stated clerk. I’m not perfect . . . but I do pledge to give you my very best.”
And he said to Presbyterians: “We’re all in this together, because God has put us together. Let’s make Jesus proud of this church.”
